BEHIND THE STORY...
In one of the meetings about possible ideas, the head of development mentioned that Michael Eisner had thought about a film with a talking dog. Several animators had suggested making an animated version of Disney’s classic THE SHAGGY DOG. That idea was not popular. I was asked if I had any ideas about a talking dog film. A week later, I turned in this idea. However, by then someone had decided talking animals were “dumb”.
And now my pitch...
BUTCH
An Animated Feature Proposal by John Cawley
When Butch, a talking dog, "adopts" a suburban family his past catches up with him causing havoc for his new masters.
The Thompsons (George, Marsha and Luke), a standard family adopts a dog who follows their son, Luke, home. However they discover Butch is no normal dog. He likes to watch TV, doodle and eat at the dinner table. Even more amazing... he talks.
When asked to explain his abilities, Butch gives various plausible, but contradictory, reasons. All of them end with Butch's desire to experience adventures in the world. Butch also says that if they tell others he talks, he will disappear.
They decide to allow Butch to stay and he immediately makes himself at home. He helps Luke with his schoolwork, though not always correctly, and even offers gag ideas for George's popular comic strip. But when Butch's gag about a "secret formula" for growing hair is published, it turns out to be part of a secret research project. "I thought it was discontinued," says Butch.
Suddenly the Thompsons find their lives plagued with FBI agents, corporate spies and newsmen looking for information on the formula. Using quick thinking, disguises and several ruses, Butch is able to bring the family back into a normal existence.
Having had his "excitement" in family life, Butch states he must move on to new ground. Heartbroken, the family says goodbye to their troublemaking, but loved, canine. As he takes a step out the door, Butch turns and states he has decided to stay. The family gives a cheer. Butch states he can always make new excitement here as the Thompsons exchange nervous glances.
text, image and format © John Cawley
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